Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, on Tuesday secured bail from a Federal High Court in Kaduna, marking a major development in a case that has kept him in detention for nearly two months.
However, he will remain in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission until he is able to meet the bail requirements set by the court.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Rilwan Aikawa held that the former governor be released on bail after considering arguments presented by both the defence and the prosecution.
El-Rufai’s legal team, led by Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), had urged the court to grant bail on the grounds that it is a constitutional entitlement and maintained that their client has established ties within Nigeria, reducing any risk of him fleeing justice.
The ICPC, however, opposed the application. The commission argued that releasing the former governor at this stage could allow him to interfere with witnesses or disrupt ongoing investigations linked to the charges.
After weighing both sides, the court approved bail but imposed strict conditions.
These include a N200 million bond backed by two sureties in the same amount. One of the sureties must be a recognised traditional ruler, while the other must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15.
The court also ordered the submission of title documents for landed property, the deposit of El-Rufai’s international passport, and a restriction on making public statements relating to the case, among other conditions.
A member of the former governor’s family, Bello El-Rufai, confirmed that efforts were already underway to satisfy the requirements.
“The conditions are many, close to 10 or more, but we hope to fulfil them,” he said.
The ICPC had earlier filed a 10-count charge against Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, alleging offences including conversion of public assets, money laundering, possession of illicitly acquired property, and abuse of office.
His legal troubles began on February 16, when he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Although he was initially granted bail, he was later taken into custody again by the ICPC, where he remained for weeks before being arraigned.
On March 27, the ICPC temporarily released him on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who passed away in Cairo, Egypt. After her burial, he was returned to custody to continue with proceedings.
The case was further complicated when his legal team filed an application requesting that Justice Aikawa recuse himself over alleged bias, though the motion was later withdrawn.
Meanwhile, at the Kaduna State High Court, a separate but related proceeding involving the former governor took a different turn.
Presiding Judge, Justice Darius Khobo, adjourned ruling on El-Rufai’s bail application to April 21, 2026, after developments in the matter made it impossible to conclude proceedings as scheduled.
According to defence counsel Ubong Akpan, the adjournment became necessary after the defence received an amended charge in court and needed additional time to review it.
The prosecution, also handled by the ICPC, had filed a revised nine-count charge, which altered aspects of the case and removed a co-defendant, Amadu Sule, from the proceedings.
Explaining the delay, Akpan said: “His lordship was bereaved and he was unable to put the ruling together. So, we understand these things happen,” Akpan said, adding that the defence remains confident ahead of the next court date.
El-Rufai is also facing separate allegations before the Kaduna State High Court bordering on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
Security presence was noticeably tight around both court premises, with armed operatives stationed at key entry and exit points to maintain order and control movement during the proceedings.
